In a significant policy shift, Newham Council has paused the planned demolition of a Stratford tower block, with budget papers revealing that the 218-home building at 10 Victoria Street could instead be refurbished to provide long-term temporary accommodation for homeless people. The council announced in December 2023 that it would demolish and rebuild the structure to create more family-sized units, but new documents set for discussion on February 26 indicate this work has been halted.
From Demolition to Potential Homeless Shelter
The budget papers state that the council is now considering whether the existing building can be used for homelessness accommodation "on a more longer-term interim basis." This represents a dramatic reversal from the previous plan, which called for complete demolition and reconstruction to include two- and three-bedroom flats deemed more suitable for families.
Original Demolition Rationale
When council leaders agreed to the demolition in December 2023, they argued that rebuilding would allow for "more purpose-built family-sized units with better outside space for young families," despite acknowledging this approach would be more expensive than refurbishment. The original statement indicated these new homes would be offered to homeless families seeking temporary accommodation from the council.
New Considerations and Challenges
The change in direction emerged in response to challenges from councillors on an overview and scrutiny committee, who recommended the council "cease the demolition and rebuilding of 10 Victoria Street" and instead "repurpose the existing building to provide mixed social tenure accommodation for homeless single people and couples."
The council leadership's response confirms they are working on a "revised business case" and that no money is currently being spent on demolition plans. The budget papers note that refurbishment and retrofit costs will be evaluated, and if these prove too high, "demolition works could be brought forward."
Building Details and Housing Context
The Victoria Street tower currently contains 218 one-bedroom and studio flats. The potential shift to using these units for homeless accommodation comes as London faces an escalating housing crisis, with temporary accommodation needs reaching critical levels across multiple boroughs.
Council documents indicate they are specifically considering whether the building could be used "solely for meeting the council's temporary accommodation requirements on a more longer-term basis," pending the outcome of survey works to assess the feasibility of refurbishment.
Broader Implications
This development highlights the complex balancing act local authorities face between long-term housing strategy and immediate accommodation needs. The pause in demolition plans suggests Newham Council is reevaluating its approach to addressing homelessness while managing limited resources and existing housing stock.
The outcome of this reconsideration could set a precedent for how other councils approach similar tower blocks scheduled for redevelopment, particularly as pressure mounts to provide immediate solutions for homeless populations across the capital.
